The Weekend Update for June 21-23
With a little something for Francophiles, ’50s-philes, animal lovers and theatergoers alike, here’s our list of ways to spend a great weekend in Sacramento.
Sacramento French Film Festival
We’ll always have Paris with this annual event celebrating French cinema, which kicks off its back-to-back weekend screenings tonight with a screening of Cloclo, a biopic about beloved French pop star Claude Francois (opening reception starts at 6 p.m.; film at 8:30 p.m.). Tomorrow night’s movies include the 1953 thriller Le Salaire de la Peur (The Wages of Fear) starring the legendary Yves Montand and Gérard Depardieu’s breakout film, 1974’s Les Valseuses (Going Places), which will be screened at 11:30 p.m. and will be followed by a discussion (coffee and pastries will be provided). The festival continues next weekend with screenings of films like Du Vent Dans Mes Mollets, a comedy about the friendship between two mischievous young girls, and two movies starring Audrey Tautou: the romantic comedy La Delicatesse (Delicacy) and the historical drama Thérèse Desqueyroux. All of the films will include English subtitles. Times vary by day. $11 per film. $35-$90 for festival passes. Crest Theatre. 1013 K St. 455-9390. sacramentofrenchfilmfestival.org
Sacramento SwingTime
Jump, jive and wail at this annual zoot suit riot celebrating the 1940s and ’50s. Taking place this Friday and Saturday, attendees can get into the swing of things with live music from bands like Junior Brown and The West Coast Ramblers. (Free dance lessons will be offered by Sacramento Ballroom instructor Johnny Ochoa, who’ll teach dances like the Collegiate Shag.) Other highlights include a Bettie Page-style pinup pageant, live pinstriping from Citrus Heights-based artist Eric “Eggie” Foust, and contests awarding titles like the best manicured moustache and the most stylish pompadour. $20 per day; $35 for festival pass. Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight. Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight. Crowne Plaza Hotel. 5321 Date Ave. 233-9274. sacramento-swingtime.com
The Wizard of Oz
Follow the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Toto and the gang tonight to the Wells Fargo Pavilion for the premiere of The Wizard of Oz, the first show of the Music Circus’ 63rd season, which will feature flying monkeys and witches. The classic songs, such as “Over the Rainbow,” “If I Only Had a Brain” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard” will be performed by a diverse cast ranging from Broadway vets to young local children. $30-$64. Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 & 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 & 7:30 p.m. Wells Fargo Pavilion. 1419 H St. 557-1999. calmt.com
King of Feasts
Saturday night, this grownups-only luau benefiting the Sacramento Zoo sees the park transformed into a lush tropical oasis filled with tiki torches, colorful flowers and fare from places like Joe’s Crab Shack, The Melting Pot and Cupcake Craving. Enjoy the island atmosphere with performances by Polynesian dance and music groups like Kaulumele Polynesian Dancers and the Na Aikane Ukulele group, or grab a hula hoop from the Tiki Stage and show off your own hip moves. $60 ($50 in advance). Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Sacramento Zoo. 3930 West Land Park Dr. 808-5888. saczoo.org
